Is There a Maryland Stimulus Check Coming in 2024?

Whether you’re facing financial hardship due to a job loss, reduction in hours, or a medical emergency, a Maryland stimulus check may seem like a lifesaver. While there are no new checks coming in 2024, you can get some relief through federal benefit programs for food, housing, and healthcare.

You can also get some tax relief when you claim state income tax credits. Read on to learn more about state-level tax credits in Maryland, how they work, and how much you can get.

Is There a Stimulus Check in 2024 for Maryland?

There are no new Maryland stimulus checks in 2024. Any online articles or social media posts you may come across about a fourth round of stimulus checks are incorrect. Other than the three Economic Impact Payments that were sent out during the coronavirus pandemic, there have been no new stimulus check updates from President Biden and/or Congress.

While the benefits provided under the American Rescue Plan and the CARES Act have long since expired, you can still file your federal tax return and claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit anytime before April 15, 2025.

Maryland Stimulus Check 2024

Maryland doesn’t have a state-level Child Tax Credit (CTC). However, you can still claim the state-level Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC).

Tax credits can lower your tax bill, and you may be able to get a higher tax refund, which can provide some relief when you’re finding it difficult to keep up with bills.

How do Maryland Stimulus Checks Work?

Federal and state tax credits can help lower your tax bill on a dollar-for-dollar basis. While these are not traditional low-income or senior stimulus programs, the government uses these credits to provide tax relief to eligible low-income taxpayers.

Nonrefundable tax credits can reduce your tax liability all the way down to zero, but you won’t get a check for any of the surplus credits left over once that’s done. Refundable credits can also lower your net tax due, but you can also get a direct deposit or a check for any surplus dollars of tax credits left over once your taxes due are reduced to zero.

Brad Reichert, a debt expert and the founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC, explains a little more about tax benefits. “As an example, if you were eligible for a non-refundable tax credit in the amount of $2,000, but your income tax payable is only $1,200, only your taxes payable would be reduced to zero, no further benefit would be received,” Reichert says. “The additional $800 would be lost or left unused,” he adds.  

“With a refundable tax credit of the same $2,000 amount, your income tax payable of $1,200 would also be reduced down to zero, but the leftover $800 would also be yours to receive as a tax refund, in the form of a check or a direct deposit into your bank account,” shares Reichert. 

Who Is Eligible for Maryland’s Stimulus Checks?

You’ll need to qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to claim the state EITC. You may be able to claim the Maryland EITC if you don’t have a Social Security number but have a federal ITIN.  

Your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) and earned income must be less than the limits listed below to qualify for the Maryland EITC for the tax year 2023:

• No qualifying children: $17,640 (single, head of household, widowed) $24,210 (married filing jointly)
• 1 qualifying child: $46,560 (single, head of household, widowed) $53,120 (married filing jointly)
• 2 qualifying children: $52,918 (single, head of household, widowed) $59,478 (married filing jointly)
• 3 or more qualifying children: $56,838 (single, head of household, widowed) $63,398 (married filing jointly)

You're automatically eligible for the Maryland credit if you qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC).

How Much Do You Receive and When

The Maryland EITC has a refundable and non-refundable credit. The refundable portion is 28% of the federal EITC, and the non-refundable credit is 50% of the federal EITC.

The Maryland CDCTC starts at 32% of the federal CDCTC but is phased out for taxpayers with a federal adjusted gross income (AGI) of over $103,650 ($161,100 for married filing jointly).

If your state CDCTC credit is more than your tax bill, and if your federal AGI doesn’t exceed $55,750 ($83,650 for married filing jointly), you may be able to get a refund of the excess credit.

How To Track the Status of Your Maryland Stimulus Checks

You won’t get a separate Maryland stimulus check when you claim tax credits. These credits will be first applied toward your tax bill. If you’re eligible to receive a refund, you’ll get it through a paper check or direct deposit.

The Maryland Comptroller’s Office usually takes 30 days to process paper returns, but electronic filers usually receive refunds in their bank accounts sooner. You can check the status of your refund online if you haven’t received it.

How To Apply for Maryland’s Stimulus Checks

Use tax preparation software to file your federal and state taxes on your own. You can also get help from a tax professional, especially if you want to take advantage of all the tax credits and deductions you may be eligible for.

Another option is to check if you qualify for the IRS’s free tax filing services, such as TCE, VITA, and Free File. The IRS offers these free services for low and moderate-income taxpayers.

Apply for Financial Assistance in Maryland

There are no new Maryland stimulus checks coming this year, but you can still get some tax relief if you claim federal and state credits. We also recommend applying for federal assistance programs if you need help with food, housing, or healthcare. You may also be able to get assistance from local nonprofits.

With so many benefit programs available, it can be difficult to find ones you qualify for. You can answer questions on the Benefit Finder tool to get a list of benefits suitable for your specific situation.

Visit our Delaware stimulus checks, Virginia stimulus checks, and West Virginia stimulus checks pages for information about programs you can apply for in those states.